Tory is stepping back from BLASST

Editor:

I have inherited a belief in community. That is why for the last 12 years I have given this community much of my summer on beautiful Buckeye Lake. I love this community and I know there are many who feel the same and give back as often as they can.

However, it is also true that I speak my mind. Maybe sometimes too harshly and I can admit, sometimes I may miss my mark. As a Harbor Hills resident once said to me, "The acorn didn't fall far from the tree in your family did it?" She was right and much of the time I'm proud of that fact. But you never have to wonder where you stand with me. I am NOT a person who will be nice to your face then turn around and stab you in the back. I've never really understood that mentality about some people.

I realize a large majority of people have an opinion of me, but most don't know me from a hill of beans. For those who want to know the real Tory, I'll share two key traits with you - 1) I say what I will do and I do what I say; and 2) I come unglued over unfairness.

I think it's fair for all those who enjoy what our community provides, to also take a hand in the work and sacrifice that comes along with it. I think this year's show was outstanding. I have enjoyed much of my time giving to this community. I've done my job and I've done it well. I believe I have worked out most of the kinks with the BLASST with one exception. We don't know the names of most of our t-shirts buyers nor 99 percent of those who put money in our hats. I believe if you put a dime or a dollar toward BLASST, you should be proud you gave to your community. So next year, please write your name on an envelope before you put it in a hat or buy a shirt and be proud of your donation to this community. I am asking you to do that for yourself and me - PLEASE!

To be honest, 12 years is a long time. A combination of things have depleted my passion along with my sense of humor and tolerance. I cannot serve my community well in this condition. In a previous letter written early this spring, I mentioned I was looking for a specific group to step up and give back to the community. Their own newsletter said collection containers were being set out to help pay for the cost of our fireworks show. But we received nothing. I think you know what's coming next.

I am stepping down from BLASST. To our donors, I thank you so much for your support over the years. I have picked a passionate, honest, hard working, outgoing, creative and talented person to replace me. Please be as supportive of her as you have been of me all of these years. She likes to think of me as the CEO, where the rules of the game don't change that much but she will do all the work while I have all the fun. I like how she thinks already. Please welcome Marnita Swickard as the new BLASST coordinator. Congratulations, Marnita! I have your back baby.